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Sen. Klobuchar Tours St. Cloud School's Medical Workforce Program

On Monday, Oct. 26, DFL gubernatorial candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar toured Apollo High School's emergency medical technician training program in St. Cloud, meeting with students and CentraCare leaders about statewide workforce development.
Persistent EMS workforce shortages in Central Minnesota prompted the visit; data shows more certifications expired in 2021 and 2022 than were issued, creating a critical gap despite recent trend reversal.
CentraCare donated two ambulances for the dedicated training bay, while St. Cloud Technical and Community College staff developed curriculum allowing students to earn college credits and emergency medical responder certification.
State Sen. Aric Putnam, DFL-St. Cloud, joined the tour and emphasized that coordinated pathways make healthcare careers more affordable. The event occurs about a week before the Nov. 3 general election, where Putnam faces Republican state Rep. Bernie Perryman.
Programs like this are vital to Klobuchar's workforce development plan, which aims to add 10,000 apprenticeships in Minnesota. "It's what we need for getting our kids into careers where we know there are necessary jobs, good-paying jobs," Klobuchar said.

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